People have described Red Bull Arena as a massive gleaming spaceship plonked down in gritty, industrial New Jersey. Tomorrow the spaceship fires up her thrusters for the maiden voyage. For those of us who have been waiting for this day for years - some of us even decades - this should be a massively joyous occasion.
Nobody can question the investment Red Bull has made in the stadium (we would have had a concert stage at one end and it would be less of a soccer facility if not for Uncle Dietrich), but some credit should also go to Nick "60-90 Days" Sakiewicz, now involved with Philadelphia Union. Michael Lewis at Big Apple Soccer interviews Sakiewicz, who, unsurprisingly, is not shy about taking credit for the stadium.
Lewis also has a nice piece on Peter Higgins III, Chairman of the Harrison Redevlopment Agency, who sadly passed away before the Arena could be completed. According to the article, the Red Bulls plan a memorial for Higgins at the stadium and will hopefully see fit to recognize him before tomorrow's game as well.
Part of tomorrow's festivities will feature a cavalcade of Red Bull-sponsored athletes, including Olympic gold medalist skier Lindsey Vonn and throwball superstar Reggie Bush. No word on whether his girlfriend Kim Kardashian will be on hand showing off her assets.
Finally, from the Metrofanatic message board, here are some photos taken yesterday by members of Garden State Supporters from inside the stadium as they get ready to wave the flag for opening day. Thanks to Mullet for the photo shown above.
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